2XO The Innkeeper's Blend Bourbon, produced by Prestige Beverage Group, is a Kentucky straight bourbon blended by Dixon Dedman. It combines high rye and low rye bourbon mashbills, both containing at least 51% corn. Bottled at 104 proof, it undergoes secondary aging in a second barrel. Released in April 2023, it is the second small batch blend in the Icon Series, honoring the Dedman family’s history as former owners of the Beaumont Inn on Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail.
Whereas the nose was sweet and balanced, it comes on fairly strong in the mouth; not what I could call balanced. But the flavors are enjoyable. It’s spicy up front, followed by caramel and chocolate. There’s a dark, rich mouthfeel to it, almost as if you could chew it. I get toffy, dark chocolate, and walnuts. The finish lingers at the back of the tongue, spicy again.
There are some pops of rye that come in and out, but the whiskey doesn't feel quite joined as a whole. Also, some young whiskey flavors peek in here and there as well with some raw flavors. Would drink if gifted, but only in a mixed drink.
Once the whiskey is given time to open up there’s a bit of buttered cornbread that develops along with spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. On the palate that cornbread note becomes a bit grainier and the fresh raspberries cecome the dried kind – less juicy but still well developed.
All in all … this is good, real good, and I think it’s a pretty clear upgrade over The Phoenix Blend. That, or I’m just vibing with this profile in a much more inspired way. But in this case, I have a much easier time justifying a premium MSRP, and seeing all the promise in Dixon Dedman’s 2X0 Bourbon brand. I’ll be very curious to see what they do next.
his just grows and grows with subsequent sips. It does everything that a Kentucky bourbon should without being too plain. While it didn't really deliver any of my fun kind of "flyer" notes, or elicit any specific memories, it is definitely a solid blend.
